Lakers come back from double-digit deficit but winning streak ends wit

DETROIT — One of coach JJ Redick’s pregame messages before the matchup against the Pistons, and what’s gone into the Lakers being as connected as they’ve been during their surge over the last few weeks entering Monday, was how his job has done a better job of bending but not breaking.

How earlier in the season, it would be common for players and coaches to revert back to a mode of “self preservation” when the adversity was too difficult. And how that was no longer the case.

The 113-110 loss at Little Caesars Arena was a perfect example of what Redick meant.

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Even though the Lakers struggled with a variety of factors – from the Pistons’ physicality, poor 3-point shooting and refereeing – they didn’t let go off the rope.

“We did a good job of just staying with it and got back in the game,” Redick said.

After trailing by as many as 16 points, they tied the game multiple times in the second half, including tying the game at 105 late in the fourth and leading 110-109 with 30 seconds left after a runner from Austin Reaves.

But Daniss Jenkins, who had a career night, closed out the Lakers, making the 12-foot jumper to give the Pistons a 111-110 lead with 25 seconds left.

After an empty possession from the Lakers, Jenkins made a pair of free throws after the Lakers intentionally fouled to put the Pistons up by three with nine seconds left.

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Luka Doncic (32 points but on 11-of-29 shooting to go with seven rebounds and six assists) missed the potential game-tying 3-pointer before the final buzzer after a LeBron James’ sidelined inbounds pass was deflected by Tobias Harris and bobbled by Maxi Kleber before Doncic’s shot.

“I was trying to see over [Harris], but also see over Maxi, see over Duren, see over [Ausar] Thompson to get it to Luka,” James said. “There was some bodies that tried to…